Highland walks

Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail

PITLOCHRY AND BLAIR ATHOLL

Summary : This short circular walk around the village of Kinloch Rannoch takes in the shores of the loch, the riverside and some fine broad-leaved woodland.
Terrain : Good paths throughout.
Grade : grade Distance : 4km/2.5 miles
Bog Factor : bog factor Time :1 hour
Start :Kinloch Rannoch Grid ref :NN661587
Map :   View an OS map of this route

  Buy Explorer 386 – Pitlochry
Ascent : 20m
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Public Transport :Bus to Kinloch Rannoch[Click for timetables]

Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail no. 1

1. Park in the attractive square at the centre of the village of Kinloch Rannoch. Begin the walk by walking along the road in the direction of Pitlochry. Pass the petrol station and the garage workshop; just after this there is a pretty stone cottage on the left. Turn left heading up the lane beside the cottage. Behind the cottage is an attractive waterfall cascading down a rocky slab. An information board has a map of this route.


Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail no. 2

2. Go through the gate to a path junction. The path heading up the hill is part of the steep ascent of Craig Varr; instead turn left following the path marked for Loch Rannoch. This runs just above the level of the fields behind Kinloch Rannoch village. Further on an old stone well is passed; the path keeps beside an old drystone dyke before emerging on the tarmac road by some houses. Turn left along the road – taking care with the traffic – and follow it round the shore of Loch Rannoch.


Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail no. 3

3. Continue round the sharp bend to the left to reach the outskirts of the village. Just after the first cottage on the right, turn right onto a track, immediately forking left through a gate. Fork left again by the electricity substation, this time onto a small path. It leads down to the sluice gates at the foot of Loch Rannoch. Part of the Tummel hydro-power scheme, the powerful flow of the river is controlled and can lead to rapid changes in the water level so keep away from the banks. Follow the path downstream through the woods, passing under the stone road bridge.


Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail no. 4

4. On the far side of the road bridge the path turns left and arrives back in Kinloch Rannoch via the rear of the public toilets. Again walk along the road past the petrol station and garage, this time turning right opposite the workshop, and then right again onto a tarmac path at the back of the hall, signed as the Riverside path. The path crosses a footbridge over a feeder stream and then passes to the right of a small housing estate; fork right off the tarmac onto a path through the woods. This soon runs alongside the river; continue on the path to a parking area and pass through this.


Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail no. 5

5. Just past the parking area the path ends and emerges on the road. Cross the road and go through the gate opposite, signed for the Hillside path. Continue ahead but at the first opportunity turn very sharp left onto a path rising through the edge of the woods. This delightful route leads back towards the village through the magnificent trees. Go through a gate and finally fork left onto a path that leads back down to Kinloch Rannoch, emerging on the road by the outdoor centre. Turn right along the road to return to the start.


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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Blair Atholl and Pitlochry: North Perthshire Hotels and Inns
Perthshire B&B (Bed and Breakfast)
Self catering cottages in Blair Atholl and Pitlochry: North Perthshire
Perthshire bunkhouses and hostels



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